Advent 1 My Soul Magnifies the Lord December 2, 2018 Rev. Fritz Nelson Text: Luke 1:47-55 Someone once wrote into Miss Manners asking how to respond to an acquaintance whose child had come into the world with less than ideal timing. Miss Manners reply would become a classic. “You say
Continue readingCovenant of Gratitude November 25, 2018 Rev. Fritz Nelson Text: Psalm 118:1, Colossians 3:12-17 Its 1620. The Pilgrims – they called themselves Separatists – wait on the Mayflower for permission to go ashore and start their new settlement. Realizing the need for 100% commitment and unity before embarking on the
Continue readingRebirth November 18, 2018 Rev. Fritz Nelson Text: Job 38-42:6 At some point the darkness lifts. It always does. The night turns to dawn which turns into a glorious sunrise. Endless days of Ohio Valley clouds break and glorious sun shines through. The winter snow melts and daffodils punctuate the
Continue readingSitting Shiva October 28, 2018 Rev. Fritz Nelson Text: Job 23 The Psalmist writes: Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; If I make my bed in the depths, you are there; If
Continue readingOn Suffering October 14, 2018 Rev. Fritz Nelson Text: Job 1:1, 2:1-10 Saturday morning over coffee, Rev. Nosheen Khan, who is visiting Eastminster Presbytery from Pakistan, told this story about a member of the Christian community in Gujranwala, the Pakistani city she calls home and where she works
Continue readingFrom Disorder to Order October 7, 2018 Rev. Fritz Nelson Text: James 5:13-20; 3:16-17 I know we just read the end of James, but I’m still stuck in the middle – back in chapter 3 to be exact, chapter 3 verse 16 to be even more precise:
Continue readingThe Sin of Entitlement September 30, 2018 Rev. Fritz Nelson Text: James 3:13 – 4:8, John 8:1-11; Genesis 3 Purity, peaceability, gentleness, a willingness to yield, merciful, the bearing of good fruits. Words, concepts, phrases all seemingly in short supply this last week – these last months
Continue readingA Gentle Tongue September 23, 2018 Rev. Fritz Nelson Text: James 3:1-12; John 4:7-42; Proverbs 15:1-4 First some advice. Then a story. The advice comes the book of Proverbs: A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger The tongue of the wise
Continue readingFaith without Works September 16, 2018 Rev. Fritz Nelson Text: James 2:1-17; Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 18:23-35 Judging from the stories on Nor Always Right, a web site where waitresses can post stories about rude or abusive customers, Sunday lunch is one of the worst shifts to work in
Continue readingWelcome, Listen, Change September 9, 2018 Rev. Fritz Nelson Text: James 1:17-27 First, a parable: A sower went out to sow. And, as he sowed, some seed fell up the path and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they
Continue reading